Synonyms for

Positive

Verb / ˈpɑ:zʌtɪv / Another word for positive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Positive means having a good effect or attitude; showing certainty or acceptance; or indicating the presence of a substance or condition.

Synonyms & similar words

negative confirming electropositive positivelycharged cocksure prescribed positivist confident convinced incontrovertible plus positivedegree overconfident positivistic irrefutable optimistic confident upbeat hopeful encouraging constructive affirmative assured certain decisive definite indisputable clear unambiguous unequivocal explicit overt outspoken emphatic assertive

Synonyms by register

Formal

affirmative optimistic constructive assured

Informal

good great upbeat thumbs-up

Literary

benign auspicious propitious

Antonyms

negative bad unfavorable adverse detrimental pessimistic critical

Common collocations

  • positive attitude
  • positive outlook
  • positive reinforcement
  • positive feedback
  • positive result
  • positive impact
  • positive thinking
  • positive development

Word family

noun positivity
adverb positively

Usage note

Often used in contrast to 'negative'. Can refer to a beneficial or optimistic quality, or a definite or certain state.

Example sentences

  1. She had a positive attitude about the school project and worked hard on it.
  2. He tested positive for COVID-19 and had to quarantine for two weeks.
  3. The teacher gave positive feedback on the student's essay.
  4. The doctor gave a positive diagnosis that the patient would recover fully.
  5. The company had a positive financial quarter and increased their profits.

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